LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – With Najee Harris in Los Angeles, not only does it open the door for Jaylen Warren to be the Steelers starting running back, but reps are there for rookie Kaleb Johnson.
So far in camp, the first-year running back has done pretty well. He's shown off some of his explosiveness, at times pumping up the thousands of Steelers fans watching at St. Vincent College. Now comes the next step on Tuesday. Showing off the area he needs most work on, pass protection.
It's something Johnson said he's been improving every day. He knows the popular and physical backs on backers drill could be coming Tuesday when the pads come on for the first time this camp. It's when a running back attempts to block a linebacker coming at him and its full speed in full pads like real football.
"That's the first thing I saw on Twitter was Jaylen taking one of the linebackers out," Johnson said when looking up videos of previous backs on backers drills. "I was hyped. I really want to show people what I can do. Show people that I've been working on pass protection and working every day to get better."
To that end, Johnson has talked to Warren about what he needs to do to be successful in facing players, likely all of whom are bigger than him. It's something Warren does every day and this is the drill that really opened eyes for him as an undrafted free agent rookie.
Warren has already had conversations with Johnson saying it's about the fundamentals of the drill and of pass protecting in general. The two, along with running backs coach Eddie Faulkner, have worked during, before and after practice so he can improve.
"I love that guy," Johnson said of Warren. "We are creating relationships on and off the field, just chilling outside and talking and on the field, just working. He's always telling me what he sees and what needs to be done the right way."
He's also picking the brain of Super Bowl champion and new Steeler Kenneth Gainwell. He marveled at his versatility at running back and the attitude he brings every day as he to is fighting to show he can be a consistent back in this offense.
To his credit, from the first day of rookie mini-camp, when Johnson makes a mistake, he's the first to get back in line and want to do the drill over. He talks often about details and how details and little things matter. He said he's got to go 100% every play because the holes close 10% faster in the NFL than they did in college football.
The Big 10 Running Back of the Year feels like he's fit in well. Johnson said he's making connections not only with those in the huddle around him, but also the defensive players. He's asking them questions about what they see and how they might help him.
"Fitting myself in and proving myself that I can be a contributor on first, second and third downs," Johnson said.
Mostly a runner in college and with a team that didn't throw a lot, Johnson believes the pass protection, and catching passes out of the backfield, is a hidden part of his game.
He wants to be an all-around back. He's shown a lot so far, when the hitting starts we'll get a better gauge of what impact he might make as a rookie.
